Normal life began to return to parts of Manipur's Churachandpur district on Saturday morning after two days of protests, police said. The protests started on Thursday following a political shakeup. Three BJP legislators from the Kuki-Zo and Hmar communities joined the Y. Khemchand Singh-led government alongside Meitei MLAs. MLA Nemcha Kipgen was appointed Deputy Chief Minister, while L.M. Khaute and N. Sanate supported this move. The demonstrations were mostly confined to the area between Tuibong and Kangvai in Churachandpur town. Unlike earlier times, the protests did not spread throughout the district headquarters. Most of Churachandpur town saw shops reopening and business resuming, though some shops in Tuibong stayed closed, police said. Additional security forces were deployed to prevent violence. Two tribal groups imposed a "total shutdown" in Kuki-majority areas of Churachandpur. Rallies were held in Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts, accusing the legislators of betraying their community. The Kuki-Zo groups have been demanding a separate administrative unit since May 2023, when ethnic violence divided the state. This conflict has caused over 260 deaths and displaced thousands. The state was under President's Rule for one year before Mr. Singh became Chief Minister on February 4. Meanwhile, the Zomi Council, the main body of the Zomi tribe, has summoned the three BJP MLAs to its office within three days. In a statement on Friday night, the council expressed disappointment over the legislators’ recent actions. They said these leaders were elected to represent community rights but have caused "widespread public dismay." The council warned that ignoring their call for dialogue may force it to bar the legislators from entering Zomi Council premises.